CCXCVIII. To Melancthon
Quantum autem ecclesiam dilacerarint dissensiones religionis, maxime in causa sacramentaria, prudentiam tuam latere non potest, qua si antea composite fuissent, nunquam (opinor) Caesar bellum vobis intulisset. Et dolendum sane est, sacramentum unitatis invidia diaboli factam esse escam dissidii, et veluti μῆλον ἔριδος. — Quare optarem ut ii, qui alios antecellunt eruditione et judicio, exemplo apostolorum congregarentur, et sententiam tum de aliis capitibus controversis, tum de hac controversia, mutuum exponerent, et consensum edito in publicum scripto testarentur. Sed fortasse dices: Idem et ego sepissime optavi?; verum hzc res sine principum ope ad effectum deduci non potest. Ego igitur hac de re cum regia majestate?., qu» Angliam suam vobis apertam esse vult, et ad hos pios conatus non solum locum tutum et quietem, verum etiam operam et auxilium suum, benignissime pollicetur. Scripsi etiam ad D. Calvinum et ad D. Bullingerum, eosque hortatus sum, ne operi tam necessario adeoque utili reipublicze Christiana deesse vellent. In proximis ad me literis scripsisti Areopagitas concilii “Tridentini περὶ τῆς ἀρτολατρείας decreta condere. Quare cum adversarii evangeli tanto studio conveniunt ad errores stabiliendos, non est nobis committendum, ut illi sint diligentiores ad confirmandam impietatem, quam nos ad piam doctrinam propagandam et illustrandam.
Amori meo erga D. Georgium Majorem’, quem merita illius apud me pepererunt, magnam accessionem attulit commendatio tua, cui si qua in re gratificari potero, citius facultatem quam voluntatem mihi deesse experietur. Bene et feliciter vale. Lambeth, 27 Martii a. 1552.
Tui aliquando videndi cupidissimus, Cantuariens
Doctissimo viro et amico suo singulari
D. Philippo Melancthom dentur
he lttere.
[translation.]
Wz read in the Acts of the Apostles, that when a dispute had arisen, as to whether those, who from among gentiles had been turned to God, should be compelled to be circumcised and keep the law of Moses, the apostles and elders came together to consider of this matter; and having compared their opinions delivered the judgment of their council in a written epistle. This example I wish we ourselves could imitate, in whose churches the doctrine of the gospel has been restored and purified. But although all controversies cannot be removed in this world, (because the party which is hostile to the truth, will not assent to the judgment of the church,) it is nevertheless to be desired that the members of the true church should agree
[[? Vid. Letter CCLXXXIX. p. 425, n. 8.] [ “George Major was a zealous disciple of Lu- [? One or more words are wanting in the origi- ther, and minister at Eisleben. He died a. Ὁ.]
[nal. ] 1574.7 } [CRANMER, 11.] 98]
among themselves upon the chief heads of ecclesiastical doctrine. But it cannot escape your notice, how greatly religious dissensions, especially in the matter of the Lord’s supper, have rent the churches asunder: had they been settled before, the emperor, I think, would never have made war against you. And it is truly grievous that the sacrament of unity is made by the malice of the devil food for disagreement, and (as it were) the apple of contention. I could wish therefore, that those who excel others in erudition and judgment, should be assembled together, after the example of the apostles, and declare their judgment as well respecting other subjects of dispute, as likewise especially respecting this controversy, and attest their agreement by some published document. But you will perhaps say, And I also have often expressed the same wish; but this matter cannot be effected without the aid of princes,” 1 have therefore [consulted with] the king’s majesty, who places his kingdom of England at your disposal, and most graciously promises not only a place of security and quiet, but also his aid and assistance towards these godly endeavours. I have written likewise to masters Calvin and Bullinger, and exhorted them not to be wanting to a work so necessary, and so useful to the commonwealth of Christendom. You wrote me word in your last letter that the Areopagites of the council of Trent are making decrees respecting the worship of the host. Wherefore, since the adversaries of the gospel meet together with so much zeal for the establishment of error, we must not allow them to be more diligent in confirming ungodliness, than we are in propagating and setting forth the doctrine of godliness. Your commendation of master George Major has greatly increased that regard for him, which his merits have produced in me; and if I can be of service to him in any way, he shall find my ability will fail sooner than my inclination. Farewell and happily. Lambeth, March 27, 1552.